Biometrics — fingerprints and a digital photograph — are required for most international students applying for a Canadian study permit. Many students underestimate the biometrics process and its impact on overall visa timelines. This guide gives you every detail you need to complete biometrics efficiently and avoid adding weeks of unnecessary delay to your application. StudentBuddy supports international students through every step of the Canadian journey, from visa preparation to finding student accommodation in Canada.
After submitting your study permit application and paying the CAD $85 biometrics fee, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Book and attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment within 30 days of receiving the BIL. The appointment takes 20–30 minutes. Biometrics are valid for 10 years once collected — no need to redo if already submitted within that period.
Who needs biometrics for Canada?
Citizens of most countries applying for Canadian immigration documents must provide biometrics. Exemptions: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, children under 14, adults 79 and older. If you provided biometrics for any Canadian immigration application within the past 10 years, you are exempt from resubmitting — IRCC retains them on file.
Step-by-step biometrics process
- Submit study permit application and pay fees
CAD $150 (study permit) + CAD $85 (biometrics) = CAD $235 total. Payment is online via the IRCC secure portal by credit card.
- Receive your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
IRCC sends the BIL to your online account within a few days of application submission. It contains your biometrics reference number.
- Find and book your nearest VAC appointment immediately
Book on the same day you receive your BIL. VAC appointments fill up fast in busy seasons. In India: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Jalandhar, Kochi. In Nigeria: Lagos and Abuja. In China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang.
- Attend your appointment within 30 days
Bring: BIL printout (or digital), valid passport. The appointment takes 20–30 minutes. Fingerprints are digitally scanned (no ink). Do not apply lotion or cream to your hands on the day.
- IRCC processes your biometrics electronically
Data is transmitted to IRCC within days of your appointment. Your application processing continues — you take no further action regarding biometrics.
What to bring to your biometrics appointment
What if you miss the 30-day window?
Contact IRCC through the web form immediately with documentation of your reason. Acceptable extensions include medical emergencies, VAC closures, and natural disasters. Missing the deadline without IRCC authorisation results in application abandonment — you must restart entirely. The 30-day deadline is strict — act immediately on receiving your BIL and do not delay booking your appointment.
Biometrics done? Use the waiting time to find your Canadian accommodation.
While your study permit processes, browse StudentBuddy for verified student accommodation near your Canadian campus. The best rooms fill up months before September.
Find student accommodation in Canada →Frequently asked questions
CAD $85 per individual, paid at the time of application. For a family applying together, the rate is CAD $170. Combined with the CAD $150 study permit fee, a single applicant pays CAD $235 total in government fees.
No. Biometrics are valid for 10 years from the date of collection. If you previously provided biometrics for any Canadian immigration application within the past 10 years, you do not need to resubmit.
Yes. Biometrics can be provided at any VAC location worldwide. This is useful if you are traveling internationally during your application process.
IRCC receives the data electronically within a few days. Your study permit application continues processing in the queue. You receive notification through your IRCC account when a decision is made.
Yes. Children under 14 are exempt from biometrics requirements. Children 14 and older must provide biometrics for Canadian immigration applications.
